Declarer doesn’t need a count in every deal, but when he has a crucial guess, a count may solve the problem.

South dealer; N-S vulnerable

A 8 6 K Q 7 A K 6 2 K 6 5

J 4 8 5 Q 10 9 3 J 7 4 3 2

10 9 7 3 2 J 9 6 2 8 4 9 8

K Q 5 A 10 4 3 J 7 5 A Q 10

West

North

East

South

1NT

Pass

5NT

Pass

6NT

End

Opening lead: 3

North’s bid of 5NT invited a grand slam. At 6NT South counted 11 sure tricks. After winning the first trick, he led a diamond to the ace and back to his jack. West took the queen and led another club, and South won and cashed the king of diamonds.

When East pitched a spade, South took three spades (West threw a club) and his last club (East threw another spade). South then knew West had held two spades, four diamonds and five clubs, hence two hearts. So South cashed the K-Q of hearts and led to his ten to make the slam.

Counting requires practice and focus, but it’s easy in principle. Anyone can do it.

You hold: A 8 6 K Q 7 A K 6 2 K 6 5. You open one diamond, your partner bids one spade, you jump to 2NT and he tries three clubs. What do you say?

A:Partner’s second bid is forcing. He has doubts about notrump (or may have slam aspirations) and is especially interested in having you show support for his first suit. Don’t disappoint; bid three spades. He can bid 3NT next if he wishes, but a bid of 3NT by you would be undisciplined.